Steering wheel with metal alloy rim and attachment insert

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising:-a hub connected to a steering device of a vehicle,-at least one rim portion (10) arranged to be gripped by a driver to steer the vehicle and comprising a metal frame (13),-at least one attached spoke (30), and at least one attached spoke connecting the hub to the at least one rim portion (10), characterized in that the metal frame (13) comprises:-a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium,-at least one attachment insert (15), the at least one attachment insert is at least partially embedded in the body and comprises an interface (19) for attaching the at least one spoke (30) to the at least one rim portion (10), and the steering wheel (1) comprises at least one element (14) for attaching the at least one spoke (30) to the at least one rim portion (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to vehicle steering wheels and vehicles, particularly motor vehicles. Prior Art

[0002] Vehicle steering wheels are known in the prior art, particularly including a rim having a metal frame doped with a magnesium alloy. On the other hand, due to the mechanical properties of the magnesium alloy, this system may exhibit difficulties in manufacturing and service life, particularly when attaching the spokes to the rim. Reference is also made to document JP2022011766. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and, in particular, to first provide a steering wheel that enables the attached spokes to be easily assembled and has an improved service life. The steering wheel has a rim portion that includes a metal frame having a body made of, for example, a magnesium alloy.

[0004] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, which includes:

[0005] - a hub portion arranged to be connected to a steering device of a vehicle,

[0006] - at least one rim portion arranged to be gripped by a driver to steer the vehicle and including a metal frame,

[0007] - at least one attached spoke connecting the hub portion to the at least one rim portion,

[0008] characterized in that:

[0009] The metal frame includes:

[0010] - a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium,

[0011] - at least one attachment insert preferably made of steel, the at least one attachment insert being at least partially embedded in the body or overmolded by the body and including an interface for fastening the at least one spoke to the at least one rim portion,

[0012] and the steering wheel includes at least one attachment element arranged to cooperate with the at least one attachment insert to attach the at least one spoke to the at least one rim portion.

[0013] In this way, the attachment insert is inserted or attached to the body during its manufacture, typically during injection molding or casting, such that it is integral with the body. Thus, the attachment of the element (typically the at least one spoke that is attached) to the frame at the attachment insert is strengthened because the attachment insert enables the connection to be strengthened in a local and compact manner. This enables the provision of a steering wheel that has a rim portion incorporating a metal alloy (such as magnesium) assembled with the attached spokes, and is easy to manufacture and has improved durability and service life. It is noted that metal alloys (such as magnesium) are generally considered brittle, making it difficult or worrisome to directly attach the spokes (brittle or fragile connections, mechanical play, etc.), and the use of the attachment insert significantly improves manufacture and service life. It should also be noted that the partial embedding of the attachment insert protects the insert from the attachment interface protruding beyond the rim, especially on the outer side of the rim, and / or from interfering with the driver by creating an unsightly protrusion. In addition, this improves the attachment of the attached spokes to the rim portion, resulting in a firm connection without mechanical play.

[0014] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising:

[0015] - a hub portion arranged to be connected to a steering device of a vehicle,

[0016] - at least one rim portion arranged to be gripped by a driver to steer the vehicle and comprising a metal frame,

[0017] - at least one attached spoke connecting the hub portion to the at least one rim portion,

[0018] characterized in that:

[0019] the metal frame comprises:

[0020] - a body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium,

[0021] - at least one attachment collar, preferably made of steel, at least partially wound and / or crimped around the body and comprising an interface for fastening the at least one spoke to the at least one rim portion,

[0022] and the steering wheel comprises at least one attachment element arranged to cooperate with the at least one attachment collar to attach the at least one spoke to the at least one rim portion.

[0023] This enables a steering wheel to be provided which has a rim portion incorporating a metallic alloy (such as magnesium) assembled with attached spokes, and which is easy to manufacture and has improved durability and service life. It should be noted that metallic alloys (such as magnesium) are brittle, making it difficult to directly attach the spokes, and the use of attachment collars significantly improves the manufacture and service life. It should also be noted that partial winding or crimping of the attachment collar helps to protect the rim, especially at the attachment interface, against attachment damage to the metallic alloy (such as magnesium) body which would be brittle if the attachment element were directly attached to it. In addition, this improves the attachment of the attached spokes to the rim portion, resulting in a firm connection without mechanical play.

[0024] The following advantageous features relate to the above two aspects.

[0025] Advantageously, the attachment interface is a screw attachment interface and the attachment element is a screw attachment element.

[0026] This enables a robust and removable means of attaching the spokes to the rim to be provided while avoiding the need to directly attach the spokes to the metallic alloy (such as magnesium) body where threading is not desired, especially due to the fragility and complexity of the structure. An example of a screw attachment interface is a threaded hole. An example of a screw attachment is a screw or stud.

[0027] Advantageously, the attachment interface is a rivet attachment interface and the attachment element is a rivet attachment element.

[0028] This enables a robust means of attaching the spokes to the rim to be provided while avoiding the need to directly attach to the metallic alloy (such as magnesium) body. Examples of rivet fastening are rivets or pins. An example of a rivet attachment interface is a calibrated hole which is arranged to receive the rivet or pin.

[0029] Advantageously, the metal frame or spokes include positioning marks and the other of the metal frame and the spokes includes positioning cavities for receiving the positioning marks.

[0030] Advantageously, the metal frame or spokes include two positioning marks and the said other of the metal frame and the spokes includes two positioning cavities each receiving one of the positioning marks.

[0031] Advantageously, the two positioning marks are separated by a distance of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm, and most preferably at least 40 mm.

[0032] This enables the spokes to be accurately positioned (or located) on the metal frame.

[0033] Advantageously, the attachment element is arranged on an attachment mark.

[0034] Advantageously, the attachment insert includes positioning marks, and the spoke includes positioning cavities for receiving the positioning marks.

[0035] Advantageously, the attachment insert includes two positioning marks, and the spoke includes two positioning cavities each receiving one positioning mark.

[0036] Advantageously, the two positioning marks are separated by a distance of at least 20 mm, preferably by a distance of at least 30 mm, and most preferably by a distance of at least 40 mm.

[0037] This enables the spoke to be accurately positioned (or located) on the insert.

[0038] Advantageously, the attachment element is arranged on the attachment mark.

[0039] Advantageously, the attachment element at least partially passes through the positioning cavity.

[0040] Advantageously, the body of the at least one coil portion forms a continuous ring, extending 360° around.

[0041] Advantageously, the vehicle steering wheel includes two attached spokes.

[0042] Advantageously, the vehicle steering wheel includes a covering over the at least one coil portion and / or the at least one spoke, the covering being preferably partially overmolded.

[0043] Advantageously, the coil covering exposes a metal frame reference portion, which is arranged to receive a part of the spoke. This makes it easier to position the spoke relative to the coil, since a part of the spoke can be directly rested on the metal frame.

[0044] Advantageously, the covering includes a passage opening or passage space arranged opposite the attachment interface, the opening or space being designed to provide a passage for at least a part of the attachment element and / or the spoke.

[0045] Advantageously, the passage opening is arranged to allow access to the frame reference portion.

[0046] Advantageously, the covering includes:

[0047] - a coil covering at least partially covering the at least one coil portion,

[0048] - a spoke covering at least partially covering the at least one spoke,

[0049] and wherein the coil covering and the spoke covering are separate and / or independent.

[0050] In other words, before assembling the at least one spoke, the rim covering (usually a foam covering with or without an outer sheath) is applied to the rim separately. This eliminates the need to place the entire steering wheel in a foaming mold and / or reject the entire steering wheel in case of improper foaming.

[0051] Advantageously, a channel opening or a channel space is provided in the rim covering, and / or the spoke covering includes a covering insert arranged to cover at least a part of the channel opening or the channel space.

[0052] Advantageously, a channel opening or space is formed in an attached foam arranged to be glued or inserted in or on a main foam overmolded on a metal frame. This allows for a simpler mold to be defined for the main foaming process and is thus less costly.

[0053] Advantageously, the rim covering includes a decorative part covering at least a part of the rim covering, such as a cap, and at least a part of the rim covering is, for example, a sheath which is attached to the at least one rim part before assembling the at least one rim part on the at least one spoke.

[0054] Advantageously, an attachment element provides an embedded connection between the at least one rim part and the at least one spoke. This provides a firm connection between the rim and the spoke.

[0055] Advantageously, a vehicle steering wheel includes a joint between the at least one spoke and the hub, preferably a pivot-type joint.

[0056] Advantageously, positioning marks are provided on the attachment insert.

[0057] Advantageously, positioning marks are provided on the attachment collar.

[0058] Advantageously, the rim covering includes an inner covering material (e.g., overmolded, such as polyurethane) and an outer covering material (such as a sheath, a leather sheath or a synthetic sheath).

[0059] - The spoke covering includes at least one decorative piece forming a housing or a part of a housing around the at least one spoke.

[0060] A third aspect relates to a motor vehicle including a vehicle steering wheel according to one of the first aspect and / or the second aspect, having the above advantages. Description of the Drawings

[0061] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, which are provided by way of example and are not in any way limiting, and are illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 shows a front view of a steering wheel according to the present invention in a first embodiment,

[0063] Figure 2 shows a detail view of the steering wheel at the interface for attaching the spoke to the rim portion,

[0064] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel along A-A, showing the attachment insert and the rim frame,

[0065] Figure 4 shows a view of the attachment insert overmolded on the rim frame,

[0066] Figure 5 shows a view of the attachment insert,

[0067] Figure 6 shows a complete cross-sectional view of the steering wheel along A-A, showing the attachment insert and the rim frame,

[0068] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a steering wheel according to a second embodiment,

[0069] Figure 8 shows a detailed side view of a steering wheel according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle steering wheel 1 according to the present invention in a first embodiment.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a steering wheel 1 forming a steering device for a motor vehicle. According to the non-limiting example shown, the steering wheel 1 includes a hub portion 40, at least one attached spoke 30 (here two attached spokes, the number of spokes is non-limiting and can be fewer, such as one, or more than two, such as three, four, five, etc.), and a rim portion 10 connected to the hub portion 40 through the spoke 30. The hub portion 40 is arranged to be connected to a vehicle steering device. The rim portion 10 is arranged to be grasped by a driver to steer the vehicle.

[0072] The rim portion 10 includes Figure 3 ​​​​​​​​The following vehicle steering wheel frame 13 as shown. The frame 13 refers to the skeleton or framework designed to support other components of the rim (usually overmolded or foamed, covering components, controls such as horn controls, buttons, etc.). The frame 13 is metallic and typically includes a metal alloy (such as magnesium) body and Figure 3 at least one attachment insert 15 visible in

[0073] Figure 2 A detail view of the steering wheel 1 at the attachment interface 19 between one of the rim inserts 30 and the rim portion 10 is shown.

[0074] The attachment insert 15 is at least partially embedded in the rim body 10 and includes an interface 19 for attaching the spoke 30 to the rim 10.

[0075] The steering wheel 1 includes at least one element 14 for attaching the spoke 30 to the rim 10. In Figure 2 the example shown, there are two attachment elements 14, which are screw attachment elements (also known as screws): the two attachment elements 14 are screwed into threaded holes, which are examples of screw attachment interfaces 19.

[0076] The attachment insert 15 is preferably made of steel to provide a suitable material for the fastening interface 19, particularly the threaded holes.

[0077] In other words, by screwing the screw 14 into the threaded hole 19 on the attachment insert 15, the spoke 30 is thus attached to the rim 10.

[0078] The steering wheel 1 may include a main foam 11 and an attached foam 12. The main foam 11 is arranged to at least partially cover the frame 13, and the attached foam 12 is arranged to at least partially cover the attachment insert 15. The attached foam 12 covers the gripping area not covered by the main foam 11; the gripping area (part of the attachment insert 15) keeps the frame 13 away from the wall of the injection mold for the main foam 11.

[0079] Finally, Figure 2 the axis of the cross-section A-A is shown for Figure 3 the cross-sectional view along A-A in

[0080] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the steering wheel 1 along A-A is shown, showing the attachment insert 15 and the rim frame 13.

[0081] In Figure 3 it is also visible that the main foam 11 and the attached foam 12 are arranged as previously indicated.

[0082] The screw 14 is screwed into the threaded hole 19 to fix the spoke 30 to the attachment insert 15 and thus ultimately to the rim 10 via the frame 13. It should be noted that along an axis of the screw 14, the spoke 30 is supported and pressed against the reference part 13r of the metal frame 14, rather than against the attachment insert 15, to ensure the position of the rim with higher precision.

[0083] The insert 15, preferably made of steel, is at least partially embedded in the body of the metal alloy (such as magnesium) of the metal frame 13.

[0084] This allows the insert 15 to be at least partially shielded while providing a change in material between the insert 15 and the metal frame 13 (usually a magnesium alloy) so that the spoke 30 can be better attached to the rim 10.

[0085] The spoke 30 may also include a positioning cavity arranged to receive an attachment element 14 (for example, a calibration hole for positioning the handle (or outer cylindrical surface) of the attachment element). In other words, the screw 14 passes through the spoke 30 at the positioning cavity.

[0086] Figure 4 A view of the insert 15 overmolded by the rim 10 of the frame 13 is shown. Generally, the insert 15 can be prefabricated (for example, by stamping, machining or sintering) before being placed in the injection mold of the frame 13. During injection molding, the material of the frame 13 partially covers the insert 15.

[0087] In Figure 4 In the example shown, the insert 15 is illustrated as having two fastening interfaces 19 (for example, threaded holes for screw attachment interfaces).

[0088] The frame 13 may also include two positioning marks 13i for more precisely positioning the rim 10 and the attached spokes 30. The marks 13i may also be located on the insert 15: in this case, the marks 13i are, for example, the outer sides of the screw handles 19. The main foam 11 is provided with pins 11ii which are arranged to position the attached foam (or auxiliary foam pad) 12.

[0089] Figure 5 A view of the insert 15 having two fastening interfaces 19 is shown.

[0090] In addition, the insert 15 may include a main body 15c between the attachment interface 19 and the two distal ends 15e. Each attachment interface 19 is arranged between the main body 15c and the distal end 15e. This facilitates the partial embedding of the insert 15 in the body of the metal frame 13 and improves the attachment of the attached spokes 30 to the rim 10.

[0091] Figure 6Shows a complete cross-section of the steering wheel along A-A, showing the attachment insert 15 and the rim frame 13,

[0092] Figure 6 Also shown is a steering wheel 1 with a sheath 18, preferably made of leather or synthetic material, covering a sheathed element 17 (usually a capacitive sensor, a heating grid or a piece of decorative foam), which in turn covers the main foam 11. In other words, the sheath 18 and the sheathed foam are examples of (rim) covering parts. The spoke covering parts can be provided in a similar manner. As Figure 6 shown, the sheath 18 does not cover the attachment area. Thus, the sheath 18 can be placed on the rim 10 before the rim 10 is assembled to the spoke 30. The sheath 18 is designed to have an opening or two non-intersecting ends to allow the attachment element 14 (and the cap 16) to pass through.

[0093] The steering wheel 1 may also include a shielding insert 15, an attachment interface 19 and / or a cap 16 for the attachment element 14. In other words, the cap 16 is an example of a covering insert that is assembled to shield the connection between the spoke 30 and the rim 10.

[0094] Figure 7 Shows a schematic cross-section of the steering wheel 1 according to a second embodiment.

[0095] The steering wheel 1 includes at least one spoke 30 and a rim portion 10 with a metal frame 13. An attachment collar 20, preferably made of steel, is used to fix the spoke 30 to the rim 10 by means of at least one attachment element 14 (such as a screw 14, a rivet or a pin) and at least one corresponding attachment interface 19.

[0096] Figure 8 Shows a detailed side view of the steering wheel 1 according to a second embodiment.

[0097] Thus, the attachment collar 20 is visible. It winds and / or curls around the body of the metal frame 13 and is used to fix or attach the spoke 30 to the rim 10.

[0098] The embodiments and their variants can be combined to the extent possible and / or necessary.

[0099] Industrial application

[0100] The steering wheel 1 according to the present invention and its manufacture enable industrial applications.

[0101] It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the present invention, various modifications and / or improvements that are obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the present invention described in this specification. In particular, it can be noted that other attachment elements 14 can be provided in addition to screws or rivets. The engagement length of the fastening collar 20 can be adapted to the body of the frame 13.

Claims

1. A vehicle steering wheel (1), the vehicle steering wheel comprising: - A hub portion (40), the hub portion being arranged to be connected to a steering device of the vehicle, - At least one rim portion (10), the at least one rim portion being arranged to be gripped by a driver to steer the vehicle and including a metal frame (13), - At least one attached spoke (30), the at least one attached spoke connecting the hub portion (40) to the at least one rim portion (10), characterized in that: wherein the metal frame (13) comprises: - A body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium, - At least one attachment insert (15), preferably made of steel, the at least one attachment insert being at least partially embedded in the body or overmolded by the body, and including an interface (19) for fastening the at least one spoke (30) to the at least one rim portion (10), and wherein the steering wheel (1) comprises at least one attachment element (14), the at least one attachment element being arranged to cooperate with the at least one attachment insert (15) to attach the at least one spoke (30) to the at least one rim portion (10).

2. A vehicle steering wheel (1), the vehicle steering wheel comprising: - A hub portion (40), the hub portion being arranged to be connected to a steering device of the vehicle, - At least one rim portion (10), the at least one rim portion being arranged to be gripped by a driver to steer the vehicle and including a metal frame (13), - At least one attached spoke (30), the at least one attached spoke connecting the hub portion (40) to the at least one rim portion (10), characterized in that: wherein the metal frame (13) comprises: - A body made of a metal alloy such as magnesium, - At least one attachment collar (20), preferably made of steel, at least partially wound and / or crimped around the body, and including an interface (19) for fastening the at least one spoke (30) to the at least one rim portion (10), and wherein the steering wheel (1) comprises at least one attachment element (14), the at least one attachment element being arranged to cooperate with the at least one attachment collar (20) to attach the at least one spoke (30) to the at least one rim portion (10).

3. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment interface (19) is a screw attachment interface, and wherein the attachment element (14) is a screw attachment element.

4. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment interface (19) is a rivet attachment interface, and wherein the attachment element (14) is a rivet attachment element.

5. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal frame (13) or the spoke (30) comprises a positioning mark (13i), and the other of the metal frame (13) and the spoke (30) comprises a positioning cavity for receiving the positioning mark (13i).

6. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 5, wherein one of the metal frame (13) and the spoke (30) comprises two positioning marks (13i), and the other of the metal frame (13) and the spoke (30) comprises two positioning cavities each for receiving one positioning mark (13i).

7. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 6, wherein the two positioning marks (13i) are separated by a distance of at least 20 mm, preferably by a distance of at least 30 mm, and most preferably by a distance of at least 40 mm.

8. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the attachment element (14) is arranged on the attachment mark (13i).

9. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the attachment element (14) at least partially passes through the positioning cavity.

10. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the vehicle steering wheel comprising a covering above the at least one rim portion (10) and / or the at least one spoke (30), the covering preferably being at least partially overmolded.

11. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 10, wherein the covering comprises a passage opening or passage space arranged opposite the attachment interface (14), the opening or passage space being provided to provide at least a passage for the attachment element (14).

12. A vehicle steering wheel (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the covering comprises: - a rim covering at least partially covering the at least one rim portion (10), - a spoke covering at least partially covering the at least one spoke (30), and wherein the rim covering and the spoke covering are separate and / or independent.

13. A vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 12, which depends on claim 11, wherein the passage opening or passage space is provided in the rim covering, and / or wherein the rim covering comprises a covering insert arranged to cover at least a part of the passage opening or passage space.

14. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the spoke covering includes a decorative component covering at least a portion of the rim covering, such as a cap (16), and at least a portion of the rim covering is, for example, a sheath (18), and the sheath (18) is attached to the at least one rim portion (10) before assembling the at least one rim portion (10) to the at least one spoke (30).

15. The vehicle steering wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the attachment element (14) provides an embedded connection between the at least one rim portion (10) and the at least one spoke (30).

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